Record Watch Company 257995

Record 1940s chronograph rare Valjoux Zähler movement 18k solid gold stepped case

Basic Info Listing code : MRMAS9 Brand : Record Reference number : 257995 Movement : Manual winding Case material : Yellow gold Bracelet material : Alligator skin Year of production : 1945 (Approximation) Condition : Used (Good) Most Recent Servicing : November 23, 2019 Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers Gender : Men's watch/Unisex Location : United Kingdom, Malvern Price : 2,950 Availability : Item is in stock Caliber Movement : Manual winding Caliber/movement : Valjoux Zähler Base caliber : V.23 Power reserve : 48 h Number of jewels : 17 Frequency : 18000 A/h Case Case material : Yellow gold Case diameter : 34 x 40 mm Thickness : 9 mm Water resistance : Not water resistant Bezel material : Yellow gold Crystal : Plexiglass Dial : Champagne Dial numerals : Arabic numerals Bracelet/strap Bracelet material : Alligator skin Bracelet color : Black Bracelet length : 180 mm (110 mm / 70 mm) Bracelet thickness : 2 mm Lug width : 17 mm Clasp : Buckle Clasp material : Gold/Steel Buckle width : 14 mm Other Small seconds, Vintage Important notice: I originally listed this as housing a Valjoux 23 but an eagled eyed expert pointed out that it houses a far rarer Valjoux VZ movement which stands for Valjoux Zähler. The dealer from whom I originally acquired it did seem unclear and now I fully understand why. The date has also been more accurately confirmed as early/mid 1940s. Its value is therefore far greater than I had estimated from sales of Record V.23 models. Record VZ models have achieved considerable more although they rarely come to market. If you know watches you will know that you are looking at an exceptional chronograph of distinction, class and style. Not least because it houses a much sort after high quality Valjoux VZ column wheel movement which incorporates Willy Breitling's dual push-button design. The Valjoux VZ is a hand-wound chronograph movement that was produced from 1916 to 1947. It is known for its durability, reliability, and precision. The Valjoux Zähler column wheel movement is still highly sought after by collectors today. Both Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet used VZ movements in their competition grade chronometers. The calibre beats at 18000 A/h and has a 48-hour power reserve. (possibly a bit less with its age). The three coloured stunning dial, case and movement all signed as they should be the and the watch is all original. The case was made by case-maker "Charles Kohli", Poinçon de Maître and is listed as a number: 147. He was well known for his beautiful stepped cases and hinged back cover: Today these cases are rare, collectable and rarely come up for sale. I have already mentioned the dial the design of which is very similar to Longines 13zn chronographs of that era. This design is more commonly seen in steel Record chronographs, but very rare in 18k gold to the point where by my research can not find another similar model in 18k housing a VZ movement currently for sale; so this may have been a special order but I can not verify this aspect. The watch was serviced in 2019 as shown in the photograph (receipt lost) gallery and functions absolutely perfectly as one would expect following its 440euro service. It has had very little wrist time since then so no need for a service yet. For those that may not know: The Record Watch of Geneva was probably best known for making a Dirty Dozen WW2 wrist watch having been one of twelve companies approved by The UK Ministry of Defence. This placed them firmly in the illustrious company of Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Longines and Omega to name but a few. However, what they could never have predicted in 1903 when they were founded is how difficult having a name like Record would make searching the internet for more information about them in the years ahead. Record was originally founded in 1903, and were taken over by Longines in 1963 who purchased the majority share a couple of years earlier in 1961. Since then the name has become some what of an enigma to non watch folk although collectors of high end pieces and those who know about quality chronographs will know exactly who they are. Out of interest and such is their quality a Record pocket-watch calibre 435B was the first Swiss watch to standard usage across the US railroad system. The company was actually founded in the Swiss town of Tramelan in the Bernese Jura and in its day enjoyed a reputation for high precision wristwatches indeed it was chosen to provide various armed forces around the world with service watches including the British Army. The name was finally and sadly wound up by The Longines Group in 1991. This is an exceptionally rare chronograph watch in beautiful condition with a wonderful developing patina and apart from collector's it will be attractive as these mid-century pieces are in high fashion. There is some movement in price possible but having now learned how special it is I will list it briefly but am more than happy to keep it. This one is a good size at 34mm wide and has had a very expensive service and the best quality Hirsch Regent alligator strap fitted costing £165.